You Are Not Alone

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. – Matthew 28:20b

After Jesus rose from the grave, He was giving some final instructions to His disciples. There had been so many emotional ups and downs for them since Jesus called them, but He’d always been there with them physically. He’d calmed storms, cast out demons, healed the sick and lame. He’d even mended the broken-hearted with forgiveness and love – the kind that only God can impart. Now, having proved His power over death and the grave, He told the disciples one final thing: He’s with them always. That promise reaches beyond the limits of the disciples’ time all the way to now.

Transition between the outgoing unit and the incoming unit has come and gone. After spending more than a year with the first, I made quite a few friends, both believers and non-believers. When they left, they took their camaraderie with them. Once again, I found myself completely alone in a group of strangers. Of course, I eventually began to make new friends, and heard from the old ones; but in that brief period of time I felt like there was no one who was on my side. I felt completely alone – like even God Himself had forgotten that I was here!

It is very normal to feel lonely. It is also very normal to be sad about friends leaving, or spouses leaving, or having to leave your spouse. But remember this in your sadness: Christ never leaves you! You may not feel His presence, but He’s always there. You might not see His hand, but He never leaves your side. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” There is never a time when you are out of God’s reach; there is no place you can go to be out of His hands. You won’t always feel His presence: I know there were many times during my deployment that it seemed He was far from me. But the truth is that He is with us, even in the valley of the shadow of death. He guards us, He keeps us, and we are always on His mind.

One more thing: don’t be afraid to let other people minister to you. Often times, He will use another believer to encourage you – let them bless you!! As Christians, we are all “ministers,” meaning we all minister to each other! Community is one GIANT way that God blesses His people! Also, look for ways to be “Christ’s hands extended” to others. If you watch, the Holy Spirit will use you to encourage other believers. Don’t be afraid to ask your buddy if he’s ok, or if he needs to talk. Don’t be afraid to pray for those you know are struggling.

(See also the devotional for September 18th entitled, “Where can I flee from Your presence?”)

Questions to share:

1. How has God used others recently to minister to you?

2. How has God used you to minister to others?